The Daily Kos has one of the most ridiculous diary entries I have seen thus far from their community, and that is saying a lot! Apparently, according to Jeffrey Feldman, the word ‘betray’, is commonly used and does not imply ‘traitor’ unless someone introduces that definition. Huh?

I suppose if your a lefty that statement may hold true. It is conceivably possible that the word ‘betray’ does not imply ‘traitor’ unless someone introduces that definition, because as those on the left have shown, they lack the understanding of the word ‘traitor’. As Nancy Pelosi and Dennis Kucinich travel to Syria and denounce the United States foreign policy, prominent Democrats display their own acts of betrayal here in America, either directly or implicitly.

Before tackling Feldman’s statements let’s take a look at the common definition of the term ‘traitor’:

• One who betrays one’s country, a cause, or a trust, especially one who commits treason. (The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition)
• someone who betrays his country by committing treason (WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University)
• a person who betrays another, a cause, or any trust. (Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.)

In fact, according to Roget’s New Millennium™ Thesaurus, a common synonym for the word ‘traitor’ is ‘betrayer’. So there you go Jeffrey Feldman, the definition has now been introduced to you, please remember it.

The fact that Moveon.org’s ad does not specifically mention the word traitor does not mean they were not implying General Petraeus was indeed a traitor. Anyone who understands the concept of implicit meanings would surely agree, much as they would agree that if you give someone the middle finger you are saying to them ‘f%ck you’, even though you never actually said it.

Mr. Feldman would have you believe that the attacks against Moveon.org by media outlets and prominent Republicans are due to lies printed by Peter Hegseth, Executive Director of the organization Vets for Freedom. Here is what Peter Hegseth actually said:

“Let’s be clear: MoveOn.org is suggesting that General Petraeus has ‘betrayed’ his country. This is disgusting. To attack as a traitor an American general commanding forces in war because his ‘on the ground’ experience does not align with MoveOn.org’s political objectives is utterly shameful. It shows contempt for America’s military leadership, as well as for the troops who have confidence in him, as our fellow soldiers in Iraq certainly do.”

Indeed, Moveon.org’s advertisement was shameful, but what is more shameful is that their actions are being defended. Last night on the O’Reilly factor, Bill O’Reilly did a short segment regarding the Moveon.org ad and mentioned he called many of the prominent Republicans and Democrats and asked if they condemned the ad. Not surprisingly, all Republicans which were asked did indeed condemn the ad, and a few Democrats as well including Nancy Pelosi. Also not surprisingly, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton refused to do so.

At issue here should not be your support or opposition to the war in Iraq. General Petraeus has a long and distinguished record of service to our country, and deserves not only our gratitude but our respect. To those who wish to deny a United States General, or the United States armed forces in whole the respect they are due, I think I can speak for most Americans when I raise my middle finger to you.

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Iraq, Politics